Public Speaking & Debating

“It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.”

The idea of standing in front of a room full of your peers to present an argument may frighten some but we have many pupils at Ballyclare High School who have excelled themselves in just such a skill. Our public speakers have enjoyed a high level of personal and team success in competitions run outside school by The Federation of Female Graduates in Ireland and Soroptomists International.

We have participated successfully in the Bar Mock Trial Competition held each November in the Laganside Courts for the past five years, competing with other schools from all over Northern Ireland. Intensive preparation for this competition begins in September and concludes in November.

Throughout the year pupils are offered opportunities to get involved in a range of public speaking events.